One God in Three Persons, United by One Love
|
|
- Aubrey Lester
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 One God in Three Persons, United by One Love Sabi Hinkson f you were to ask the average Christian to define the Trinity, their response is likely to be The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost). However, for most Christians, this answer is insufficient, and will inevitably prompt more questions, such as: What is the significance and/or purpose of each component of the Trinity? As a Christian, what does the Trinity mean for me? How does the Trinity affect me? This paper will attempt to answer these questions in addition to others using the Bible and Origen s Books I and IV of his work, On First Principles. In addition, David Bentley Hart s contemporary discourse on the Trinity, found in The Beauty of the Infinite: The Aesthetics of Christian Truth, will be used as a secondary source. Although Hart and Origen do not always have similar ideas about the Trinity, this should not cause a person to question its validity. It simply demonstrates that theology is not dead, and that Christians serve a living God who is still revealing things to the people who seek Him. By reading Origen, the Bible, and Hart, a plethora of questions can arise about the Trinity; however, without a concrete understanding of the basic concepts of the Trinity, these questions will be nearly impossible to grasp. Therefore, this paper is attempting to answer the elementary questions regarding the Trinity. One can find many different definitions of the Trinity from various literary sources. For example, the World Encyclopedia offers the following definition: Central doctrine of Christianity, according to which God is three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. There is only one God, but he exists as three in one and one in three. The nature of the Trinity is held to be a mystery that cannot be fully comprehended. Although this is an extensive definition of the Trinity, one still cannot grasp its full meaning. In order to help gain insight, most of the fragments of this definition will now be discussed separately, and in depth. First, it is necessary to address the idea that God is three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. In Deuteronomy 32:6 it says the following: Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? (NIV). From this passage, we see that the Father is the creator. The Father is the God we encounter in Genesis who created the heavens, the earth, the waters, the living creatures, and man. At one point in almost every Christian s life, he or she has heard The Lord s Prayer, which can be found in Matthew 6:9-13. The prayer begins by saying: Our Father which art in heaven (KJV). When one thinks about this small fraction of The Lord s Prayer, one cannot help but conclude that the Father is the transcendent dimension of God, the God who is in heaven. Meanwhile, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Origen states the following about Christ: 57
2 KannenBright: Concordia University Undergraduate Journal of Theological Studies First we must know this, that in Christ there is one nature, his deity, because he is the only-begotten Son of the Father, and another human nature, which in very recent times he took upon him to fulfill the divine purpose. 1 Now, the Father which art in heaven knew that because man was born in sin, his nature is imperfect, this imperfect nature would cause man to eventually sin, and this sin would cause His creations to be consumed by evil. However, our Father loved us so much that He sent His only Son to earth to die for us so that we could have salvation. John 3:16-18 explains this idea of God s love for us: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (NIV) This act of salvation whereby Jesus came to earth was designed to fulfill the divine purpose that Origen spoke about. Although John 3:16-18 explains that Jesus came to save us, it does not explain exactly how Jesus would save us from evil. First John 3:8 says...the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work (NIV). Jesus was created in the image of his Father, who is eternally good. As such, Jesus came to earth to destroy the devil s evil work by teaching people about the good ways of the Father. This is why Origen points out that Jesus is called Wisdom, 2 Word of God, 3 1 Butterworth, Origen on First Principles, Ibid. 3 Ibid., 16. Truth, 4 Life, 5 and Reason. 6 Similarly, in Book V of The Stromata, Clement of Alexandria states, the Son is the true teacher respecting the Father. 7 Additionally, in the section entitled Changeless Beauty in Hart s book, we see that Christ is called the Mediator 8 (he mediates between God and creation). In Hebrews 12:24 it says, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant. We see this idea of Jesus as mediator again in 1 Timothy 2:5-6: For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men the testimony given in its proper time (NIV). In addition to the various names offered for Jesus Christ (the Son), Origen gives extensive explanations of Christ: For he is a breath of the power of God, and a pure effluence (that is, emanation) of the glory of the Almighty. Therefore, nothing that is defiled can enter into him. For he is the brightness of the eternal light and an unspotted mirror of the working of God and an image of his goodness. 9 He also states that Christ is the way and leads to the Father and he is the Word who interprets and presents to the rational creation the secrets of wisdom and the mysteries of knowledge 10 However, in order for Jesus to truly save us from sin, he had to die for us. It was his perfect, holy, and divine blood that held the saving power. 1 John 1:7 reminds us of this: and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin 4 Ibid., Ibid. 6 Ibid. 7 Schaff, Ante-Nicene Fathers, Hart, The Beauty of the Infinite, Butterworth, Origen on First Principles, Ibid.,
3 Hinkson: One God in Three Persons, United by One Love (NIV). With that being said, as sad as it may be, we realize that Jesus crucifixion was necessary. Although it may be easy to accept that Jesus is the Son of God and that he died for our sins, some people may wonder, How could Jesus continue to teach those who want to learn after he has been crucified? A response to this question can be found in the Bible. In John 14:25-26 Jesus says the following: All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (NIV) It is evident that we need the Holy Spirit in order to obtain complete salvation, however it is important to note that we cannot receive the Holy Spirit without accepting Jesus Christ as our savior. Origen supports this statement when he writes: The activity of the Holy Spirit only extends to those who are already turning to better things and walking in the ways of Jesus Christ, that is, who are engaged in good deeds and who abide in God. 11 When we read 1 John 2:28, we have further confirmation that Christ is needed to receive the Holy Spirit: But Christ has blessed you with the Holy Spirit. Now the Spirit stays in you, and you don't need any teachers. The Spirit is truthful and teaches you everything. So stay one in your heart with Christ, just as the Spirit has taught you to do. (CEV) Through reading these ideas, one can say that the Holy Spirit comes to finish the work that Jesus came to do in the name of 11 Ibid., 34. his Father. The Holy Spirit gives us grace, 12 and he is the sanctifier and the purifier. 13,14 Although the tasks of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit have been discussed extensively, it is important to summarize what has been discovered up to this point. Origen the following words to summarize the individual functions of the persons in the Trinity: God the Father bestows on all the gift of existence; and a participation in Christ, in virtue of his being the word or reason, makes them rational Accordingly there is also available the grace of the Holy Spirit, that those beings who are not holy in essence may be made holy by participating in this grace. When therefore they obtain first of all their existence from God the Father, and secondly their rational nature from the Word, and thirdly their holiness from the Holy Spirit. 15 Origen also states, this which is called the gift of the Spirit is ministered through the Son and worked by God the Father. 16 Similarly, every act of God, is inaugurated by the Father, effected by the Son, and perfected by the Holy Spirit. 17 It has been understood that the Trinity is comprised of three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Due to our human nature, we often think of the relationship between the three as a relationship that has some form of subordination in it. We think that the Son is subordinate to the Father, and perhaps the Holy Spirit is subordinate to the Son. However, when one reads the section entitled Divine Fellowship in Hart s 12 Ibid., Ibid., Bettenson, The Early Christian Fathers, Butterworth, Origen on First Principles, Ibid. 17 Hart, The Beauty of the Infinite,
4 KannenBright: Concordia University Undergraduate Journal of Theological Studies discourse on the Trinity, one truly realizes that this relationship is full of harmony, unity and equality. Furthermore, the word fellowship helps us to arrive to this conclusion because when one thinks about fellowship, one thinks about a group of people with the same interest coming together in harmony and love. In other words, everyone is on the same level. Despite the fact that we may get the impression that Origen believes that there is some form of a hierarchy in the Trinity, 18 this idea is abolished when he says: Nothing in the Trinity can be called greater or less, for there is but one fount of deity who upholds the universe by his word and reason, and sanctifies by the spirit of his mouth all that is worthy of sanctification 19 Each person in the Trinity is vital and essential to our salvation. Origen asserts this when he says we will not obtain salvation apart from the entire Trinity. 20 The harmony found within this Trinitarian relationship exists because there is divine difference; each person of the Trinity has full divinity, but has a different task with regard to our salvation. Hart contends that difference is peace and joy. 21 He goes on to say, The three persons are not economic accommodations of a supreme ontic principle with inferior reality, but are rather all equally present in every divine action, each wholly God, even as they differ. 22 The Trinity is a circle of glory 23 and it is glorious and harmonious not only 18 Butterworth, Origen on First Principles, Ibid., Ibid., Hart, The Beauty of the Infinite, Ibid., Ibid., 200. because there is divine difference, but because there is love. Each person of the Trinity has love for the other, and all three persons of the Trinity have love for us. Our discussion on the Trinity up to this point may have unveiled a dangerous misconception: one may think that the Trinity gives rise to polytheism and that there are three separate gods, but this is not the case. The definition of the Trinity in this paper states the following: There is only one God, but he exists as three in one and one in three. This sentence may be hard to grasp, but it just means that there is one God but he wears three different hats. For example, I am many things: I am a follower of Christ, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a student, and an employee. Although I am many things (I wear many hats ) and all of these things entail different tasks, this does not mean that I am more than one person. Additionally, God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but God is not a material substance or a body. He shares all of Himself with those who want to share themselves with Him. However, by sending and sharing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, this does not mean that they are separated from Him, or that He is not whole when He shares Himself. Origen elaborates on this idea with the following analogy: There are many who share in teaching and art of medicine; yet are we to suppose that all who share in medicine have some material substance called medicine placed before them from which they take away little particles and so obtain a share of it? Must we not rather understand that all who with ready and prepared minds gain a comprehension of the art and its teaching may be said to share in medicine?...a thing in which many have 60
5 Hinkson: One God in Three Persons, United by One Love a share is not necessarily to be regarded as a body. 24 In addition, as previously mentioned, God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He always has been and always will be. Regardless of the fact that our imperfect human nature may cause us to think that there was a time where the Son and the Holy Spirit did not exist, this is not the case, because they are all a part of God. Genesis 1:26 states, Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (NIV) From this passage, it is understood that the us implies that God was talking to the Son and the Holy Spirit. Once again, Origen makes an analogy to support the conclusion that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have always existed together: God is light, the Son is the brightness of the eternal light. As therefore light can never exist without its brightness, so neither can the Son, who is called the impress of the Father s substance, and his Word and Wisdom, be conceived as existing without the Father. 25 Origen describes the Father as the sun, and the Son as the rays of the sun. The sun is never in existence without its rays. Furthermore, the rays of the sun allow us to feel some of the heat that is derived from the sun, so can we not say that the Holy Spirit is the heat from the rays and by extension the sun? Therefore we can extend this analogy to say that the sun is never in existence without its rays and its heat, just as the Father is never in existence without His Son and His Holy Spirit. The final part of the definition of the Trinity states that the nature of the Trinity is held to be a mystery that cannot be fully comprehended. One might think that this statement demonstrates the weakness of the Trinity; however, it can also be argued that this mystery is essential and God intended the Trinity to have a degree of unknowingness. For the average rational human being, knowing about something and fully comprehending it creates satiety and diminishes desire. We lose interest in the subject because we feel as though there is nothing else to learn. The Trinity is one of the many mysteries about God that keeps us in love with Him. Our relationship with the infinite and mysterious God is like a beautiful, romantic love relationship: the mystery about Him keeps us engaged in the relationship, and the more we discover, the more we desire to embark on a spiritual journey in order to learn more about God and connect with Him. Hart truly captures the essence of this: A God seen only by infinite inflaming desire, whose savor draws one on into ever greater dimensions of his glory, so that one is always at the beginning of one s pilgrimage toward him, always discovering and entering into greater dimensions of his beauty. 26 Furthermore, our own salvation depends on our desire to be in love and in communion with God. This is what allows us to join the circle of glory. Loving the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit allows us to partake in the Trinity, and this is what Hart was trying is attempting to convey when he states the following: 24 Butterworth, Origen on First Principles, Ibid., Hart, The Beauty of the Infinite,
6 KannenBright: Concordia University Undergraduate Journal of Theological Studies Certainly the essence of salvation is that souls and bodies should be drawn into the dynamism of the Trinitarian life, as the Spirit integrates them into the coinherence, the sobornost, of the body of Christ, where one becomes a true that is, selfless person: a person in communion. The sanctification bestowed by God s Spirit is also a light cast upon humanity, as it stands within Christ, the one true man: a light that shows the isolated self to be a trace only, the effaced emblem of a forgotten gift, given before the self is a self, before the I has arrived. 27 it is important to realize that out of all the things that the Trinity is about, love is the most important. Without love, there would be no salvation, harmony or communion. Although God may have three identities, He is united by a single love. Sabi Hinkson is a young mother of two beautiful girls, Kiara and Taneia. She is currently completing a double major in Biochemistry and Theology. In addition, Origen asserts that Christ, being the image of the Father, is like an unspotted mirror. Coming into communion with the Trinity gives us the opportunity to surround ourselves with the beauty of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and soak in the good and soon enough we too become like unspotted mirrors. We get the idea that Hart also believes that we can become images of God (or mirrors) when he says: We can mirror the infinite because the infinite, within itself, is entirely mirroring itself, the Father s incomprehensible majesty being eternally united to the coequal splendor of his glory, his form and impress, in seeing whom one has seen the Father; we can become images of God that shine with his beauty because the Father always has his image in his Son, bright with the light of his Spirit, and so is never without form and loveliness. 28 To conclude, the Trinity is about love, salvation, harmony, and communion, and these things capture the essence of Christianity. That is why the definition of the Trinity states that it is the central doctrine of Christianity. On a final note, 27 Ibid., Ibid.,
7 Hinkson: One God in Three Persons, United by One Love BIBLIOGRAPHY Butterworth, G.W., trans. Origen on First Principles. Gloucester, MA: Peter Smith, Bettenson, Henry, ed. and trans. The Early Christian Fathers. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press, Hart, David Bentley. The Beauty of the Infinite: The Aesthetics of Christian Truth. Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Schaff, Philip. Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishing,
Titus 2:1 (NIV) You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine
Trinity 3 in 1 Titus 2:1 (NIV) You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine Athanasian Creed: "That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the persons; nor dividing
More informationWho is God? The Attributes of God and the Trinity
What is the Trinity? Who is God? The Attributes of God and the Trinity The Trinity, most simply defined, is the doctrinal belief of Christianity that the God of the Bible, Yahweh, is one God in three persons,
More informationThe Names of God. from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Questions 12-13) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian Shanley (2006)
The Names of God from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Questions 12-13) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian Shanley (2006) For with respect to God, it is more apparent to us what God is not, rather
More informationARTICLE I - NAME The name of this organization shall be Bethel Baptist Church of Jamestown, New York. ARTICLE III - ARTICLES OF FAITH
ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this organization shall be Bethel Baptist Church of Jamestown, New York. ARTICLE II - PURPOSE Our purpose is to glorify God by conducting a Baptist church in accordance with
More informationGOD. on the Inside NIGEL G. WRIGHT. The Holy Spirit in Holy Scripture
GOD on the Inside The Holy Spirit in Holy Scripture NIGEL G. WRIGHT CONTENTS Introducing the theme...6 1 The Spirit: God on the inside...17 2 The Spirit and creation...29 3 The Spirit and revelation...41
More informationBegotten Without Beginning
Begotten Without Beginning The Eternal Sonship of Christ The doctrine of the eternal Sonship of Christ is an important, biblical, historical truth. It is one that needs to be reaffirmed in our day. Let
More informationTHE HOLY SPIRIT. The principal work of the Spirit is faith; the principal exercise of faith is prayer. John Calvin
THE HOLY SPIRIT The principal work of the Spirit is faith; the principal exercise of faith is prayer. John Calvin But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit
More informationTHE HOLY SPIRIT. The principal work of the Spirit is faith; the principal exercise of faith is prayer. John Calvin
THE HOLY SPIRIT The principal work of the Spirit is faith; the principal exercise of faith is prayer. John Calvin But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit
More informationWHAT WE BELIEVE: THE BIBLE, GOD, CHRIST, SALVATION FOREST HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH INQUIRER S CLASS, WEEK 1 MARCH 6, 2016
WHAT WE BELIEVE: THE BIBLE, GOD, CHRIST, SALVATION FOREST HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH INQUIRER S CLASS, WEEK 1 MARCH 6, 2016 1. absolutely necessary; indispensable 2. pertaining to or constituting the essence
More informationAPPROVED UNTO GOD. Truth of God: He doesn t necessarily care about my happiness. He cares about my holiness.
APPROVED UNTO GOD THE DOCTRINE OF THE FATHER I. Misconceptions of God A. a pure mathematical mind (Einstein) B. cosmic killjoy C. angry policeman D. tired old man E. God in a box (limited) F. vending machine
More informationWhat is the Trinity?
What is the Trinity? What is the Trinity? The Trinity, most simply defined, is the doctrinal belief of Christianity that the God of the Bible, Yahweh, is one God in three persons, the Father, the Son,
More informationAn Introduction to the Swedenborgian Way of Life
An Introduction to the Swedenborgian Way of Life Rev. David Fekete A Course Consisting of Weekly Reflections on Swedenborg s Theology 1 Course Outline WEEK I: INTRODUCTION WEEK II: GOD IMAGE: WEEK III:
More informationHoly Trinity Sunday. Abiding Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Hampton, GA. where families connect
Holy Trinity Sunday at Abiding Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Hampton, GA where families connect ABIDING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH June 4 th, 2017 Prayer before worship Dear God in heaven above, as your
More informationARTICLE 1 (CCCC) "I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR
ARTICLE 1 (CCCC) "I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH" Paragraph 2. The Father I. "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" 232 233 234 235 236 Christians
More informationLESSON 7: THE TRIUNE GOD
1: SUMMARY LESSON 7: THE TRIUNE GOD What does it mean that God is a Trinity? In this lesson you will learn that there is only one true God, who has always existed in three persons: Father, Son and Spirit.
More informationWHO IS JESUS? Evidence For The Deity Of Christ
Introduction WHO IS JESUS? Evidence For The Deity Of Christ 1. Jesus once asked His disciples, Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? (Matthew 16:13). The disciples told Jesus of the various views:
More informationThe BibleKEY Correspondence Course
The BibleKEY Correspondence Course LESSON 14 - This is Life Eternal, that they might know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent -- John 17:3. THE NEXT SEVERAL LESSONS will dwell
More informationThere were other battles but none this big and none that had two major creeds written almost exclusively about them, the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds.
ATHANASIAN CREED: THE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church March 25, 2018, 6:00 PM Scripture Texts: John 5:19-20; I Corinthians 15:27-28 Introduction. Would you
More informationThe Definition of God
The Definition of God Before we start: The Holy Scripture is Inspired and Inerrant. Inspired and Inerrant 2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to
More informationDoctrine of the Hypostatic Union (HU)
Doctrine of the Hypostatic Union (HU) Colossians 1:15 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. We saw in our last lesson how verses 15-19 are five of the most important descriptive
More informationDALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY THE ILLOGIC OF FAITH: FEAR AND TREMBLING IN LIGHT OF MODERNISM SUBMITTED TO THE GENTLE READER FOR SPRING CONFERENCE
DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY THE ILLOGIC OF FAITH: FEAR AND TREMBLING IN LIGHT OF MODERNISM SUBMITTED TO THE GENTLE READER FOR SPRING CONFERENCE BY MARK BOONE DALLAS, TEXAS APRIL 3, 2004 I. Introduction Soren
More information-- DECLARATION OF FAITH -- of BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Kalispell, Montana
-- DECLARATION OF FAITH -- of BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Kalispell, Montana 1. OF THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally and plenarily inspired of the Holy Spirit and
More informationUNITY AND TRINITY three in one. Matthew 28:19. Trinity. The Trinity
Trinity 1 UNITY AND TRINITY three in one Key question What is the Biblical basis for the idea of the Trinity? Key text Matthew 28:19 baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.,
More informationSession Six: God Incomprehensible The Width, the Length, the Depth, the Height
Session Six: God Incomprehensible The Width, the Length, the Depth, the Height I. GOD IS BEYOND OUR ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that
More informationThe Doctrine of God Know What You Believe Part 2 1 Timothy 1:10-11
The Doctrine of God Know What You Believe Part 2 1 Timothy 1:10-11 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted
More informationESSENTIALS OF REFORMED DOCTRINE
ESSENTIALS OF REFORMED DOCTRINE (Rev. D. Kleyn, PRCA Missionary) Lesson #6 THE HOLY TRINITY INTRODUCTION: The Trinity is a difficult truth to understand. Because God is incomprehensible. Because our minds
More informationCalvary Baptist Church ARTICLES OF FAITH
Calvary Baptist Church ARTICLES OF FAITH I. Of The Scriptures We believe in the authority and sufficiency of the Holy Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, as originally
More informationBrookridge Community Church Statement of Faith
Brookridge Community Church Statement of Faith I. General Principles This statement faith is one that first and foremost reflects the authoritative and revelatory status of Scripture. Secondarily, it reflects
More informationCOMPASS CHURCH PRIMARY STATEMENTS OF FAITH The Following are adapted from The Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
COMPASS CHURCH PRIMARY STATEMENTS OF FAITH The Following are adapted from The Baptist Faith and Message 2000. I. THE SCRIPTURES The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation
More informationTHE APOSTLES CREED June 7, 2017
THE APOSTLES CREED June 7, 2017 The word creed derives from the Latin credo which means I believe. The Apostles Creed is the creed most widely used in Christian worship in the western world. It is a legend
More informationAre the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit distinct? And, how are they distinct?
Q6. How many persons are there in the Godhead? A6. There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and
More informationCatholics and God. fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"
Catholics and God Introduction How do we see God? Who is he? Ideas? Suggestions? Let us look at the Nicene Creed: I believe in one God Exodus 3:13-15 13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites
More informationCHAPTER THREE ON SEEING GOD THROUGH HIS IMAGE IMPRINTED IN OUR NATURAL POWERS
BONAVENTURE, ITINERARIUM, TRANSL. O. BYCHKOV 21 CHAPTER THREE ON SEEING GOD THROUGH HIS IMAGE IMPRINTED IN OUR NATURAL POWERS 1. The two preceding steps, which have led us to God by means of his vestiges,
More informationIf I say God is blank, what s the first word that comes into most people s minds? Love. God is love.
THE TRINITY: GOD IS NOT ALONE. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church May 12, 2013, 6:00PM Sermon Texts: See Scriptures in Article Nine of Belgic Confession Introduction. The news this
More information12. Biblical Truth vs. Mormon Polytheism
12. Biblical Truth vs. Mormon Polytheism By Dr. Paul M. Elliott From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase Part 12 of a series. Read part 11. The church today is especially vulnerable to the lies of
More informationTHE TRINITY GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in Himself. It is therefore the source of the other mysteries of faith, the light that
More informationThe Definition of God
The Definition of God Before we start: The Holy Scripture is Inspired and Inerrant. Inspired and Inerrant 2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to
More informationLords Day 8 Our Faith in the Triune God Rev. Herman Hoeksema
Lords Day 8 Our Faith in the Triune God Rev. Herman Hoeksema Q.24. How are these articles divided? A. Into three parts; the first is of God the Father, and our creation; the second of God the Son, and
More informationRedemption through His Blood Ephesians 1:7 By Randy Wages 9/12/10
Redemption through His Blood Ephesians 1:7 By Randy Wages 9/12/10 I. Introduction: Note: The text below was prepared for oral delivery rather than for publication in print. As such, be aware that sentence
More informationDetailed Statement of Faith Of Grace Community Bible Church
Detailed Statement of Faith Of Grace Community Bible Church THE HOLY SCRIPTURES We believe that the Bible is God s written revelation to man, and thus the 66 books of the Bible given to us by the Holy
More informationLesson 4. Systematic Theology Pastor Tim Goad
Lesson 4 Part One Introduction to Systematic Theology I. Introduction a. What is Systematic Theology? b. What is the relation between Systematic Theology and Hermeneutics? c. Why is it important to study
More informationOur Core Beliefs Cornerstone Church of Ames
Our Core Beliefs Cornerstone Church of Ames The Scriptures The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction.
More informationGOSPEL OF YOHANAN. Chapter 17
GOSPEL OF YOHANAN Chapter 17 We are now approaching what many call the Holy of Holies of the Gospel of John. It is the Lord s Prayer, the one that Jesus prayed. It is the prayer of the Son of God to God
More informationSermon Texts: Psalm 102:25-27; Romans 11:33-36; I Timothy 1:17; Ephesians 5:1
WHAT IS GOD REALLY LIKE? Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church February 3, 2013, 6:00PM Sermon Texts: Psalm 102:25-27; Romans 11:33-36; I Timothy 1:17; Ephesians 5:1 Introduction. Last
More informationThe Trinitarian Nature of Christianity A Doctrinal Overview & Scriptural Compilation
The Trinitarian Nature of Christianity A Doctrinal Overview & Scriptural Compilation A Doctrinal Overview The Christian faith is fundamentally a Trinitarian faith. In other words, the doctrine of the Trinity
More informationOther s Views on the Doctrine of God
Other s Views on the Doctrine of God 1 The Roman Catholic View of the Doctrine of God The Roman Catholic Church believes in the triune God as taught in the Bible. However, over a long course of time the
More informationOnce you have a list from the group, you may want to summarize the actual content of the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
One God Leaders Guide September 23, 2007 Getting Started: A.W. Tozer said that, the essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him. A right conception of God is
More informationAs a Bible college of evangelical persuasion and Pentecostal/charismatic heritage, SUM affirms the following statement of faith.
STATEMENT OF FAITH As a Bible college of evangelical persuasion and Pentecostal/charismatic heritage, SUM affirms the following statement of faith. WE BELIEVE The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith
More informationTHE DOCTRINE OF THE TRIUNE GODD
THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRIUNE GODD THREE DISTINCT PERSONS IN ONE GOD THE CENTRAL MYSTERY OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH AND LIFE I. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Christians are
More informationTheology Proper: The Triune God The Essential Doctrine of the Holy Trinity
1 Theology Proper: The Triune God The Essential Doctrine of the Holy Trinity Why is this doctrine essential to the Christian faith? Because God cannot be worshipped rightly where He is not known truly
More informationGRACE BIBLE CHURCH Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY. Point 1. Definition.
GRACE BIBLE CHURCH Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY Point 1. Definition. The word trinity is not found in the Bible. It is a technical theological word coined in the fourth century
More informationBASIL OF CAESAREA ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
BASIL OF CAESAREA ON THE HOLY SPIRIT The Development of the Doctrine of the Trinity REASON FOR THE TREATISE Some have objected to Basil s use of with in the doxology. They object that this places Father,
More informationGod is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) 1
WHO IS GOD? THE CHRISTIAN TEACHING PODCAST EPISODE 3 (MARCH, 2018) SERIES: BIBLE BASICS FOR NEW BELIEVERS WWW.CHRISTIANTEACHING.ORG GOD S ESSENCE / BEING GOD IS SPIRIT God is Spirit, and those who worship
More informationThe Doctrine of the Trinity In The Bible
God is One in the Old Testament The Doctrine of the Trinity In The Bible Deuteronomy 4:39 39 Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on
More informationSERMON SERIES ON WHAT WE BELIEVE - We Believe There Is One God, Eternally Existent In Three Persons: Father, Son And Holy Spirit.
SERMON SERIES ON WHAT WE BELIEVE - We Believe There Is One God, Eternally Existent In Three Persons: Father, Son And Holy Spirit. Introduction We have begun a series of messages on what we believe as a
More informationTranslated by Arthur West Haddan. Vol. 3. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post- Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church Kindle Edition.
Theology Proper Part 3 God is One What and Three Who s The doctrine of the Divine Unity is a truth of natural religion; the doctrine of the Trinity is a truth of revealed religion. - William Shedd Can
More informationTrinitarian Relationship. Tim Hankins Box 273 CHS662JZ
Trinitarian Relationship Tim Hankins Box 273 CHS662JZ 1 Introduction The theological term Trinity is not found within scripture, yet it carries the weight of nearly two thousand years of tradition. With
More informationExisting MARBC Doctrinal Statement (from the GARBC) Proposed MARBC Doctrinal Statement BIBLIOLOGY
Existing MARBC Doctrinal Statement (from the GARBC) Proposed MARBC Doctrinal Statement BIBLIOLOGY I. Of the Scriptures We believe in the authority and sufficiency of the Holy Bible, consisting of the sixty-six
More informationLESSON TWO - GOD THE UNCAUSED CAUSE UNCAUSED CAUSE UNCAUSED CAUSE
LESSON TWO - GOD The doctrine of God is essential to understanding the Bible and life. No human can fully understand God, as He has limited the depth of our understanding of Him (Job 11:7; Isaiah 55:8-9;
More informationTHE HOLY TRINITY June 11, CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH 255 West Douglas St. South St. Paul, MN
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH 255 West Douglas St. South St. Paul, MN 55075 651-451-0309 THE HOLY TRINITY June 11, 2017 AS WE GATHER Today the Church celebrates Trinity Sunday. It is a day to bask in the wonder
More informationThroughout all nature there is abundant evidence of the existence of a supreme, intelligent, personal Being.
The God of Israel Throughout all nature there is abundant evidence of the existence of a supreme, intelligent, personal Being. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth His handiwork.
More informationNicene and Apostles Creed
Nicene and Apostles Creed St Teresa of Avila RCIA September 28, 2017 Creed Credo: I Believe Definitive statement of Christian belief and orthodoxy Also known as Profession of Faith and Symbols of Faith
More informationFundamental Concepts of Christianity
Fundamental Concepts of Christianity Salvation is the saving of your Spiritual life. Having salvation means you will go to heaven and have eternal life and live with God forever. Salvation is only obtained
More informationWho Is the Holy Spirit?
1 Bruce Milne The Holy Spirit is none other than that member of the eternal Godhead who brings to bear in the life of God s people the fruits of the victory won by Christ in his life, death and glorification.
More informationCan a New Testament, Born-again Believer lose their salvation
This study goes into detail to address many concerns, exposing lies and misconceptions, to bring confidence and assurance to the person who might be having such doubts. The study keeps a consistent theme
More informationINTRODUCTION. Paul asked Jesus, Who are you Lord? Jesus replied, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. By this statement, Paul knew that Jesus was God.
INTRODUCTION A WORD ON ATTRIBUTES Is God defined by His attributes? Yes, and no. Is He the sum of the attributes we will talk about? No. Is God, God? Yes. However, God is not defined by His attributes.
More informationKnowing God? science. philosophy. Believing what God has revealed
Knowing God? Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below--what can you
More informationAffirming the Essentials of Our Faith
His Only Son, Our Lord Fully God The early Christians (3 rd -4 th cen. AD) spent much time debating who Jesus Christ was. Some sincere, genuine people, in an attempt to understand who Jesus was, began
More informationThe Nature of God Session 2
The Nature of God Session 2 Covenant, Relationship and the Knowledge of God (Session 1) The Trinity Part 1: The Nature of God (Session 2) The Trinity Part 2: The Person of God the Father (Session 3) The
More informationStatement of Doctrine
Statement of Doctrine Key Biblical and Theological Convictions of Village Table of Contents Sec. A. The Scriptures... 3 Sec. B. God... 4 Father Son Holy Spirit Sec. C. Humanity... 5 Sec. D. Salvation...
More informationThe Doctrinal Basis of
The Doctrinal Basis of 7030 Rockfish Road Fayetteville, NC 28306 PREAMBLE CrossPointe Church embraces the following statements concerning the truth. The Bible is our allsufficient rule for faith and practice.
More informationWe believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that it has truth without any admixture of
Of The Scriptures We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end
More informationWho Is Jesus Christ? Text: John 1:1-18 Series: Gospel of John [#1] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl September 22, 2013
Who Is Jesus Christ? Text: John 1:1-18 Series: Gospel of John [#1] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl September 22, 2013 Introduction Who Is Jesus Christ? Pastor Lockridge, the speaker in the opening video, knew who
More informationIN HIS IMAGE THEN AND NOW
IN HIS IMAGE THEN AND NOW 1 A 2 B 3 A 4 C 5 THE IMAGE OF GOD: THEN AND NOW AT CREATION: GOOD BUT INCOMPLETE (A) POST FALL: MARRED AND BLURRY (B) AFTER RETURN OF CHRIST: COMPLETE AND PERFECT (C) 6 THE COMPLICATION
More informationTwo Kinds of Ends in Themselves in Kant s Moral Theory
Western University Scholarship@Western 2015 Undergraduate Awards The Undergraduate Awards 2015 Two Kinds of Ends in Themselves in Kant s Moral Theory David Hakim Western University, davidhakim266@gmail.com
More informationPersonal Theological Statement
Personal Theological Statement The purpose of this essay is to address the foundational aspects of my understanding of the Christian message and to give an explanation as to how these aspects influence
More informationLife in the Spirit! # 18. The Holy Spirit of the Trinity {Mat. 28:18-20} Raymond Breckenridge Orr. Oakland International Fellowship
Life in the!. {Mat. 28:18-20} Oakland International Fellowship Raymond Breckenridge Orr What is Your Next Port? 3 1 4 2 . in the name Father and the Son and the, (Mat.28:19) Although we have looked at
More informationThe Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church
The Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church The faith community of Liberty Corner joins Christians around the world and across the ages to declare the core of our faith. These beliefs guide us and unite us
More informationThe Word Of Life. 1 John 1:1-4
The Word Of Life 1 John 1:1-4 with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. (1 John 1:1-4 (NIV) A question as we begin our adventure into this Book of 1st John... How can God accomplish
More informationFirst Calvary Baptist Church Statement of Faith
First Calvary Baptist Church Statement of Faith I. Scripture a. We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine
More informationRules to Be Observed in Gathering Witnesses, p.67
Rules to Be Observed in Gathering Witnesses, p.67 1. When the Scriptures speak of God in the ים) plural (א לה rather than the ל) singular (א it is reference to the plurality of persons Genesis 1:2 The
More informationKey Words We Will Find The Overall Structure of Hebrews and Its Focus on Jesus Christ as our High Priest
Hebrews - A Letter Addressed to Modern-Day Christians Part 2 Key Words We Will Find The Overall Structure of Hebrews and Its Focus on Jesus Christ as our High Priest Before we start into a verse by verse
More informationTheology Proper (Biblical Teaching on the subject who God is)
Introduction Theology Proper (Biblical Teaching on the subject who God is) The greatest of all the studies Theology Proper Can we know God? o God is incomprehensible o God is knowable What is the source
More information:00 :05 GREETING, OPENING PRAYER
TIME ACTIVITY :00 :05 GREETING, OPENING PRAYER :05 :10 STATE THE TOPIC AND GOALS FOR THE LESSON 1. To gain historical perspective on the unique Christian doctrine of the Incarnation 2. To grasp the unique
More informationI Timothy 3:16 Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior September 3, 2017
Introduction Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus was a very common name among Jewish males in the first century. The historical evidence found in documents and inscriptions (2500+) has caused scholars to estimate
More information~ Jaco Kruger ~ ~
I am justified by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; there is no condemnation and I am free from the law of sin and death. I am sanctified, called out of the world and given wisdom
More informationTHE RE-VITALISATION of the doctrine
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF TRINITARIAN LIFE FOR US DENIS TOOHEY Part One: Towards a Better Understanding of the Doctrine of the Trinity THE RE-VITALISATION of the doctrine of the Trinity over the past century
More informationThomas Traherne s Centuries of Meditations and Christian Cosmology
Sydney College of Divinity Thomas Traherne s Centuries of Meditations and Christian Cosmology AN ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED TO REV CAMERON FREESE IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE CLASS REQUIREMENTS OF SP540 THE
More informationDoctrinal Statement and Covenant
Doctrinal Statement and Covenant Church Doctrine Concerning the Scriptures We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally inspired and the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore,
More informationHOW DOES THE SPIRIT FUNCTION WITHIN THE TRINITY? the Godhead to be least understood, not only with regards to His nature and relationship with
HOW DOES THE SPIRIT FUNCTION WITHIN THE TRINITY? Introduction Despite the Spirit being a fully divine Person within the Trinity, He is the figure within the Godhead to be least understood, not only with
More informationThe Trinity, The Dogma, The Contradictions Part 2
The Trinity, The Dogma, The Contradictions Part 2 In the second part of our teaching on The Trinity, The Dogma, The Contradictions we will be taking a deeper look at what is considered the most probable
More informationGOD IS ONE IN ESSENCE THREE IN PERSONS
GOD IS ONE IN ESSENCE THREE IN PERSONS The doctrine of Divine Essence recognizes the existence of God from eternity past in three Persons each Person being coequal, coeternal, co-infinite with identical
More informationThis article is also available in Spanish.
The Council of Nicea Introduction This article is also available in Spanish. The doctrine of the Trinity is central to the uniqueness of Christianity. It holds that the Bible teaches that God eternally
More informationThe Ecumenical Creeds
The Ecumenical Creeds "The Ecumenical Creeds" is an umbrella term used in the western church to refer to the Nicene Creed, the Apostles' Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. These creeds are accepted by almost
More informationStatement of Fundamental Truths: We Believe
Statement of Fundamental Truths: We Believe 1. The Scriptures Inspired The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible,
More information. s tones are being hurled at the impregnable fortress
Chapter 9 DEALING WITH PROBLEMS AND OBJECTIONS jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God (Matthew 22:29).. s tones are being hurled at the impregnable
More informationARTICLES OF FAITH OF EAST WENATCHEE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
1 ARTICLES OF FAITH OF EAST WENATCHEE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PREAMBLE Having placed our faith totally in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, believing in the teachings and practices of Baptists and
More informationTrinity. 3. Therefore, trinity is used to describe three persons in one Godhead. There is only one divine nature or being.
Trinity A. Definition. 1. The word trinity is not found in the Bible. It is a technical theological word coined in the fourth century A.D. to describe a theological concept. 2. The doctrine of the trinity
More informationLesson 9: The Eternity of God
Lesson 9: The Eternity of God El Olam ( Everlasting God ). Genesis 21:33, Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Be-er-she ba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. Psalm 90:1,
More informationThe Confessions of the Church Dr. Todd B. Jones November 8, 2018
The Confessions of the Church Dr. Todd B. Jones November 8, 2018 In [the creeds and confessions in the Book of Confessions] the church declares to its members and to the world who and what it is, what
More information